VPN Providers Grant Windows Users Direct Control Over App-Level Traffic

ProtonVPN and NordVPN have enabled split tunneling features for their Windows clients, allowing users to route specific applications directly to the internet while keeping others encrypted. This functionality addresses a common trade-off in virtual private network usage, where encryption protects data but can reduce connection speeds.

The feature permits users to define which digital traffic bypasses the VPN's encrypted bridge. For example, a user might exclude online gaming applications to minimize latency while keeping banking apps protected. Similarly, local service apps, such as those checking movie showtimes or controlling smart home devices, can operate outside the tunnel to reflect the user's actual location or network status.

The primary implementation method is app-based selection. In the ProtonVPN interface for Windows, a split tunneling option appears on the right side of the main console. When activated, users choose to include specific apps in the tunnel or exclude them, with the remaining traffic defaulting to the opposite state. NordVPN employs a similar mechanism; users access the feature via the cog icon in the bottom left corner of the main interface. After toggling the setting, they select which programs receive encryption.

Beyond individual applications, some services support URL-based rules that filter traffic by domain name. This allows users to maintain protection on sensitive search engines while bypassing the tunnel for local news sites. Less common methods include route-based tunneling, which relies on IP addresses, and policy-based tunneling, which uses broader rule sets. These advanced options are primarily relevant for administrators managing multiple users rather than individual consumers.

Mobile devices offer similar controls, though with varying degrees of flexibility. Android devices and desktop platforms generally allow app-level exclusion. iPhones provide more limited options, typically restricting users to excluding specific websites and IP addresses rather than entire applications. This difference stems from how the operating system handles network traffic permissions.

For most users, configuring split tunneling is a one-time setup. Once selected, the configuration remains active without requiring frequent adjustments. This setup leaves protection in place for high-security applications while removing the encryption overhead from programs where speed or local connectivity is the priority.

The availability of these tools varies by product and subscription tier. Most major VPN providers now include some form of split tunneling, particularly on paid plans. The specific steps to enable the feature differ across software, but the underlying capability remains consistent across the major platforms.